The working world is a fast moving place, and with the cost of living on the rise, many professionals will be wondering how to progress their careers. Whether you are at the start of your career journey or are well established in your field, there will be steps you can take to reinforce your specialist knowledge and improve your C.V. Taking stock of your skills and identifying the areas which you could improve is a valuable process for any professional, and in the construction industry, with its health and safety demands and competitive environment, it can be particularly helpful. At ASM Group we are experts in training that can take your career to the next level. Here is our guide to Continuous Professional Development for construction professionals.
What is Continuous Professional Development (CPD)?
The term Continuous Professional Development refers to the ongoing process of tracking the skills and knowledge you gain as you work, beyond your initial training or qualifications. It means everything from formal learning and ongoing training courses to the hugely valuable skills learnt directly from the experience of being on the job. By keeping a record of your development, you can reflect on what you have learnt, discover any areas where you need more training, and progress your career.
What are the benefits of CPD for construction professionals?
CPD has a wide range of benefits for construction professionals.
- Self-development and career progression
If you are hoping to progress in your career, or simply feel stuck in a rut, CPD can provide a great way to move forward. By reflecting on the areas where you need to improve your skills, you can plan your next job move. Taking stock of your existing achievements is a great way to give yourself a confidence boost and analyse which elements of your job you most enjoy.
- Fix knowledge and skills gaps
Once you have started using CPD to analyse your career, you will be able to rectify any gaps in your knowledge that are holding you back. A refreshed skills set can be the step you need to get that promotion or exciting new opportunity.
- Learn best practice health and safety techniques that are immediately applicable to your day to day role
CPD is essential in the construction sector, as it is vital that all construction professionals have excellent health and safety knowledge. Ensuring that you are up to date in all necessary health and safety training is a key part of ensuring the wellbeing of yourself and your colleagues.
- Meet industry regulations
As well as staying safe, making sure you are up to date with all the necessary trainings is necessary in order to comply with industry regulations. CPD can help you keep track of the qualifications and training that you take part in, ensuring you know when you need to brush up your skills.
- Expected by professional bodies (such as CIF, IOSH, Society of Chartered Surveyors, Royal Institute of Architects Ireland, Register of Electrical Contractors Ireland, Electrical Contractors Safety and Standards Association, Engineers Ireland)
CPD is expected by many of the professional bodies in the construction industry. These institutions take pride in the excellence of their membership, and are keen to see the development and career progression of members.
CPD Training Options for Construction Professionals
If you are a construction professional keen to take control of your CPD, but unsure of where to start, ASM Group has a selection of courses that could help. We provide training of excellence to the construction industries, and we are experts in all aspects of CPD.
- Project Supervisor Construction Stage training course
If you work as a project supervisor, ASM’s Project Supervisor Construction Stage training course could be the perfect option for your CPD. It is a one day course that ensures you are familiar with important construction regulations, particularly Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Construction Regulations 2013 – Design and Management Regulations. The course covers the duties of the project supervisor for the construction stage and contractors. The course is suitable for all client personnel involved in construction activities in their organisation, as well as anyone in the role of PSCS, safety officers, and managers. The course is a legal requirement in order to comply with regulations, but it is also valuable for improving health, safety, and efficiency on construction sites.
- Project Supervisor Design Process training course
Our Project Supervisor Design Process Course is a great way for construction professionals to ensure they comply with Irish health and safety regulations, specifically Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Construction Regulations 2013 – Design and Management Regulations. The course is designed for anyone acting in a PSDP role, and gives a comprehensive overview of that role. It covers legal requirements and duties, how to identify particular risks, the general principles of accident prevention, practical implementation of safety measures, the correct process for notification to the Health and Safety Authority (AF1), site surveys, risk assessments, and the PSDP Risk Register. This course not only provides an insight into the role of the PSDP, but it makes a fantastic addition to any construction professional’s CPD.
- IOSH Safety Health and Environment Training Course
Another excellent CPD opportunity provided by ASM Group is our IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) SHE (Safety Health and Environment) course. The IOSH SHE for Construction Site Managers Course is training designed to equip those who manage construction sites with the skills and knowledge to ensure their site is run safely and in line with all current regulations.
If you are managing a construction site, it is vital that you can meet the responsibility and challenge of running your site safely. This course will provide you with a good awareness of the safety, health, and environmental risks associated with construction activities, and give you a tool kit for managing those risks. As a step-by-step guide to understanding occupational health and safety risks, this is an ideal course for construction site managers and foremen who want to build their competency in construction safety. It is a key training for anyone who oversees safety, health and environmental management associated with construction activities. The course gives a full overview of safety management best practice for construction sites, how to risk assess sites in relation to both workers and the public, and covers all relevant health and safety legislation. You will learn about controlling risk, understanding your duties and responsibilities as manager, as well as the responsibilities of your colleagues in their various roles. There is also the opportunity to learn about measuring performance in construction.
The IOSH SHE for Construction Site Managers Course is a widely recognised and required qualification that is a great addition for any construction professional considering their CPD.
Contact ASM Group today for all your Continuous Professional Development needs
Continuous Professional Development is a key part of any serious career plan. As well as making career progression more attainable, taking steps towards continuing your professional development creates more job satisfaction, increases your confidence, and ensures you remain properly qualified according to government regulations. ASM Group has a wide range of courses for construction professionals and are experts in making CPD possible for everyone. Contact ASM Group today to fulfil your CPD potential by phone 01 234 3724 or email contact@asmgroup.ie.
